Summary Movements which increase neural tension have been considered useful in determining whether pathology of neural tissue is associated with clinical symptoms. In order to investigate changes in neural tension a buckle force transducer was attached to the median nerve at a site approximately 2 cm distal to the axilla in five unembalmed cadavers. A series of ipsilateral and contralateral upper and lower limb manoeuvres was performed and changes in tension were recorded. The results showed a significant increase in the tension in the median nerve when the ipsilateral movements of elbow extension and wrist extension were applied. The movements of contralateral cervical side flexion and ipsilateral straight leg raise were also found to increase tension significantly. No significant change in tension was recorded during ipsilateral shoulder depression, glenohumeral abduction and glenohumeral external rotation. Further, there was no significant change in tension when the contralateral arm movement or the contralateral straight leg raise was applied. These findings indicate that certain manoeuvres increase tension in the median nerve. Further research is required to determine the relevance of neural tension tests in the assessment and treatment of patients suffering from neuromusculoskeletal pathology.